The scientific study of Buddhist forms of meditation has surged in recent years. Such study has captured the popular imagination, reshaping conceptions of what meditation is and what it can do. Within the lab and now beyond it, people have come to see meditation as a practical matter, a rewiring of the brain or an optimization of consciousness as a means to better health, more fulfilling relationships, and increasing productivity. Often suppressed if not dropped from this pragmatic approach are the beliefs, values, and cosmologies that underpin such practice from the Buddhist point of view. Propelled by the imperatives of empirical practicality, for perhaps the first time in history meditation has shifted from Buddhist monasteries and practice centers to some of the most prominent and powerful modern institutions in the world-hospitals, universities, corporations, and the military-as well as many non-institutional settings. As the contributions to this volume show, as their contexts change, so do the practices, sometimes drastically. New ways of thinking about meditation, ways that profoundly affect millions of lives all over the world, are emerging from its move to these more strictly secular settings. To understand these changes and their effects, the essays in this volume explore the unaddressed complexities in the interrelations between Buddhist history and thought and the scientific study of meditation. The contributors bring philosophical, cultural, historical, and ethnographic perspectives to bear, considering such issues as the philosophical presumptions of practice, the secularization of meditation, the values and goods assumed in clinical approaches, and the sorts of subjects that take shape under the influence of these transformed and transformative practices-all the more powerful for being so often formulated with the authority of scientific discourse.

40 Things I Wish I'd Told My Kids is about being a successful human being and living a happier, more meaningful life. It contains the important things parents wish they had been able to teach their kids, but couldn't - because they never learned them, or only learned them later in life. These include: Don't be ruled by the tyranny of events The belief that happiness comes from getting what we want is false Pain is unavoidable; suffering is optional We live in a sea of uncertainty - but we already know how to swim Don't treat the present moment like it's a shabby motel room 40 Things I Wish I'd Told My Kids brings mindfulness to the widest possible audience - by presenting it not as special and exotic, but as practical, simple, down-to-Earth principles for living that every parent wants their kids to know

This award-winning book was streamlined to accommodate a child's perspective. The child is given highly imaginative techniques that allow him or her to experiment with a friendly companion called the Light. In an easy-to-follow recitative style with a pictorial format, the book helps all kids to unearth a veritable wealth of kindly benefits, and to uncover the spontaneous joys that naturally accompany such an imaginative approach to creative contemplation. A CD is included; appropriate for children five to twelve years of age.

'A huge subject tackled beautifully' FEARNE COTTON Times are hard. Meditation doesn't have to be. Meditation leads to transformation. It affects every aspect of your wellbeing and can bring about positive change in your body, affect your mental outlook, increase your decision-making ability and eliminate worry and anxiety. The master of modern meditation Deepak Chopra draws on his 30 years of practice and reveals how to achieve blissful awareness by waking up to who you really are. Perfect for beginners, sceptics or those looking for a new approach to stillness, his simple 7-day programme offers a life-changing path to a quiet mind.

The New York Times bestselling book that both galvanizes progressives for action and is a balm--from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author "A light in darkness, Alice Walker awakens us to our own power as only she can. . . . Once again, Walker has exceeded our expectations." --The Atlanta Journal-Constitution When the United States recently exploded with unprecedented demonstrations challenging racial violence and hatred, Alice Walker's New York Times bestselling We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For was one of the books to which people turned for inspiration and solace. Called "stunningly insightful" and "a book that will inspire hope" by Publishers Weekly, this work by the author of The Color Purple is a clarion call to activism--spiritual ruminations with a progressive political edge, that offer a moment of care and solace. Walker encourages readers to take faith in the fact that, despite our daunting predicaments, we are uniquely prepared to create positive change. Drawing on Walker's spiritual grounding and her progressive political convictions, the book offers a cornucopia of the Pulitzer Prize winner's writings and speeches on advocacy, struggle, and hope. Each chapter concludes with a recommended meditation to teach patience, compassion, and forgiveness. Walker's clear vision and calm meditative voice--truly "a light in darkness"--has struck a deep chord among a large and devoted readership.

Following up on the successful Everything Is Wild and Free puzzle and stationery set comes a new group of paper products from Flow and the artist Valesca van Waveren. Taking as its inspiration a quote from Francis Hodgson Burnett, and translating it into stunning images that capture the magic we find in nature, particularly on a starlit night, Everything Is Made Out of Magic is a suite of pure delight. Lost in the digital rush is the old-fashioned, truly mindful pleasure of writing a real letter--on real stationery. The Everything Is Made Out of Magic Stationery Set features a pad of 48 lined sheets, 32 cut-and-fold envelopes, and 53 adhesive seals and labels. Just add a fountain pen.

'It is clear that our bodies still recognize nature as our home...' - Yoshifumi Miyazaki 'Forest bathing' or shinrin-yoku is a way of walking in the woods that was developed in Japan in the 1980s. It brings together ancient ways and wisdom with cutting edge environmental health science. Simply put, forest bathing is the practice of walking slowly through the woods, in no hurry, for a morning, an afternoon or a day. It is a practice that involves all the senses and as you gently walk and breathe deeply, the essential oils of the trees are absorbed by your body and have an extraordinary effect on positive feelings, stress hormone levels, parasympathetic nervous activity, sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity. In this wonderful book, by the leading expert in the field, science meets nature, as we are encouraged to bathe in the trees and become observers of both the environment around us and the goings on of our own minds.

Unlock messages from animal spirits and guardians of nature with this new oracle from renowned shamanic healer Dr Steven Farmer. Connect to nature more deeply - through the elements of earth, fire, water and air - and hear the messages that the spirits in the trees, rivers, stones and animals long to share. This oracle provides an easy way to receive direct guidance from the spirits of nature, allowing us to commune with the beings of the natural world to receive insights and healing. Through this oracle, you will feel a greater sense of connectedness to the natural world and all of Creation.

The high correlation between substance abuse and crime makes treatment for inmates a vital concern. "Free at Last" gives voice to those inmates who have escaped the prison of chemical dependency and offers a promise of hope to other inmates still bound by addiction. As Joe, serving a 45-year sentence, explains, "Even if I was never to get out of this prison, today I truly know I am free within."

The sequel to the bestseller The Great Work of Your Life shows us the way through our darkest times to our truest calling. How do we make sense of our lives when our world seems to be falling apart? This beautifully written guide from scholar and teacher Stephen Cope shows that crises don't have to derail us from our purpose-they can actually help us to find our purpose and step forward as our best selves. In this sequel to his best-loved book, The Great Work of Your Life, Cope again takes the ancient yogic text the Bhagavad Gita-the epic narrative of the warrior Arjuna's odyssey of self-discovery-as a roadmap for our journey to our own true calling. Then he builds on that foundation using the stories and teachings of famous figures, as well as stories of ordinary people and his own rich personal experience. Along the way, we find striking examples for finding meaning and purpose in our lives: Gandhi shows how to tap our spiritual resources and listen for our inner voice Sojourner Truth and Henry David Thoreau inspire us to seek out the unmistakable signs of dharma in the midst of chaos Marian Anderson and Ruby Sales shed light on dharma's mystic power and how we learn to trust in it And more In the spirit of Pema Choedroen's When Things Fall Apart, this book is required reading when you find yourself forging a path through crisis-or seeking a way through your darkest times to your truest self.

Body Mind Movement: An Evidence-Based Approach to Mindful Movement explores the foundational concepts behind the science of learning, motor control, and body awareness. The book features case studies, exercises to illustrate the concepts, and opportunities for critical thinking, allowing movement professionals not only to understand the science behind why techniques and modalities work, but also to explore ways of implementing these approaches with their patients. The work is written for the curious movement professional who wants to enhance their ability to work with students of all ages and abilities. To learn more about Jenn's in-person workshops and retreats, please visit www.jennpilotti.com

A New York Times best seller—now revised and updated with new exercises and guided meditations.

“An inviting gateway to the interior territory of profound well-being and wisdom.”—Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are

From Sharon Salzberg, a pioneer in the field of meditation and world-renowned teacher acclaimed for her down-to-earth style, Real Happiness is a complete guide to starting and maintaining a meditation practice. Beginning with the simplest breathing and sitting techniques, and based on three key skills—concentration, mindfulness, and lovingkindness—it’s a practice anyone can do and that can transform our lives by bringing us greater resiliency, creativity, peace, clarity, and balance.

This updated 10th anniversary edition includes exercises, journal prompts, and ten guided meditations available for download online and through scannable QR codes.

You can do it. You can change your life for the better—and the best part is that you already have the tools within you to do so!

In this concise yet information-packed book—which you can download the audio from the included link and listen to or read at your leisure—bestselling author Louise L. Hay shows you that you "can do it"—that is, change and improve virtually every aspect of your life—by understanding and using affirmations correctly.

Louise explains that every thought you think and every word you speak is an affirmation. Even your self-talk, your internal dialogue, is a stream of affirmations. You’re affirming and creating your life experiences with every word and thought. Your beliefs are merely habitual thinking patterns that you learned as a child, and many of them work very well for you. But other beliefs may be limiting your ability to create the very things you say you want. You need to pay attention to your thoughts so that you can begin to eliminate the ones creating experiences that you don’t want.

As Louise discusses topics such as health, forgiveness, prosperity, creativity, relationships, job success, and self-esteem, you’ll see that affirmations are solutions that will replace whatever problem you might have in a particular area.

By the end of this book, you’ll be able to say "I can do it" with confidence, knowing that you’re on your way to the wonderful, joy-filled life you deserve.

We all wish to be more mindful, engaged, present - loving the life we are living, but is this possible and how? You Are Not Your Thoughts: The Secret Magic of Mindfulness makes the journey into a mindful way of being a profoundly simple one, both to understand and to access. It is a book for those who want to truly know the power of mindfulness to transform their experience of life. '...There are thousands of books out there to help us combat our inner self-destructive voice... if I could go back in time and read only one book on the subject, this is it.' Joe Pasquale, Comedian and Actor

Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools. Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance. This book offers readers: A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life--taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life) This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.